THE cost of rural crime in the south west has increased by 42%, according to NFU Mutual's Rural Crime Report. 

According to the figures, rural crime cost the south west an estimated £7million in 2023, which is up 41.9% from 2022. 

The NFU Mutual report says that rural crime cost the UK an extimated £52.8milllion in 2023, up from £50.6million the previous year. 

According to the rural insurer, Global Positioning System (GPS) units were targeted by gangs throughout 2023, which caused the value of claims to NFU Mutual to increase by 137% to an estimated £4.2million.

NFU Mutual said thieves frequently target several farms in one night before moving locations to steal these highly valuable and portable kits, often revisiting farmyards weeks later to steal any replacements.

Quad bikes and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) were also top targets for rural thieves, with thefts up 9% to an estimated £3.2m in claim costs reported to NFU Mutual last year. However, the total claims cost for agricultural vehicles thefts reported to NFU Mutual fell 9% to an estimated £10.7m in 2023.

In 2023, NFU Mutual became a major funder of the National Rural Crime Unit (NRCU). And in 2024, the rural insurer funded the UK's first livestock theft officer at the NRCU. 

Roz Hills, NFU Mutual regional manager for the South West, said: “All the indications suggest rural crime is becoming more organised, sophisticated and determined in its nature, which is incredibly alarming for people who live and work in the countryside.

“While the overall cost of agricultural vehicle theft fell, thanks to co-ordinated efforts, it is concerning to see the value of GPS and ATV thefts continue to rise, with thieves turning to technology to scope out locations. 

“Intelligence highlights these criminals often target several farms in one night before moving locations, then return weeks later looking to steal any replacements.

“As the UK’s leading rural insurer, we know the impact of rural crime goes well beyond the practicalities of farming. It’s the unnerving feeling that criminals have boldly staked out and targeted farmyards and fields, often a few feet from the family home. It’s also living in fear of repeat attacks, knowing that thieves are always looking for new ways to target rural communities.

“That is why it’s so important for insurers, farmers, manufacturers, police and politicians to continue to work together to provide a united response to the challenge presented by both organised criminals and opportunistic thieves.

“We will also continue to support farmers directly to help protect their livelihoods, offer expertise as the main insurer of farmers and provide support to tackle rural crime.”